1. Layout Questions
What is the difference between Revolver and Sportwagon?
The Revolver is Axis’s full camper layout. It is designed for customers who want a complete camping setup with seating for five, sleeping for five, interior galley, fresh water, heater, electrical system, and flexible storage.
The Sportwagon is Axis’s simpler, more open layout. It is designed for customers who want a durable everyday adventure van with seating and sleeping for five, but with more open cargo space and fewer built-in camper systems.
In general:
Revolver = more complete camper setup.
Sportwagon = simpler, lighter, more open, and easier to build up over time.
Which layout is better for a family of five?
For most families of five, the Revolver is the best fit if they want a true campervan experience with sleeping space, water, heat, storage, and more built-in comfort.
The Sportwagon can also work well for a family of five, especially if the customer wants a more open layout, uses the van as a daily driver, hauls gear often, or prefers to keep the build simple and modular.
The best recommendation depends on how the family plans to use the van: weekend trips, ski days, road trips, daily driving, sports, gear hauling, or longer travel.
Can the van be used as a daily driver?
Yes. Axis builds on the Ford Transit 148” wheelbase platform, which keeps the van under 20 feet long. It can fit in standard parking spots, drive comfortably around town, and work well for school drop-offs, errands, commuting, weekend trips, and longer travel.
Axis vans are designed to be useful every day, not just for occasional camping.
Can the seats or beds be removed?
Yes. One of the key benefits of Axis layouts is modularity. Seats and beds are designed to be removable or reconfigurable depending on the layout and build selections.
This allows customers to use the van for camping, cargo, gear hauling, family travel, or everyday driving.
Can Axis customize the layout?
Axis builds from two standardized layouts: Revolver and Sportwagon. Customers can choose options, finishes, and accessories within those layouts, but Axis does not offer fully custom floor plans.
This helps keep the build process efficient, consistent, reliable, and serviceable.
Does Axis install bathrooms or showers?
No. Axis does not install built-in bathrooms or interior showers.
Axis vans are intentionally designed to stay simple, lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain. Built-in bathrooms and showers add weight, complexity, water management issues, winterization needs, and maintenance.
Customers can use portable toilet or shower solutions if needed.
Does Axis install built-in stoves?
No. Axis does not install built-in stoves.
The Revolver layout includes a galley and counter space that works well with a portable camp stove. This keeps the van simpler, preserves counter space, reduces built-in propane complexity, and makes the cooking setup more flexible.
Can I add accessories later?
Yes. Many accessories can be added later, including roof racks, ladders, lighting, solar, awnings, storage boxes, tire carriers, suspension upgrades, and other exterior accessories.
Some options are easier and more cost-effective to install during the initial build, especially anything that requires wall removal, wiring, heater installation, or structural planning.
2. Chassis Questions
Do I need AWD?
AWD is strongly recommended for most Axis customers, especially those who ski, camp in shoulder seasons, drive forest roads, travel in winter conditions, or want the most versatile van possible.
That said, AWD is not required for every customer. Some customers who primarily drive highways, camp in fair weather, or stay on paved roads may be comfortable with rear-wheel drive.
Should I choose mid roof or high roof?
A mid roof Transit is lower profile, easier to drive, and better for customers who prioritize daily driving, parking, and a smaller overall vehicle feel.
A high roof Transit gives more interior standing room and feels more spacious inside, especially for taller customers or families who expect to spend more time inside the van.
The right choice depends on the customer’s height, storage needs, driving preferences, and how they plan to use the van.
Check out our blog post here comparing the two.
Can Axis source the van?
Yes. Axis can help source the Ford Transit for the customer. Axis has dealer access and can help locate new or used vans that fit the customer’s preferred layout, budget, roof height, drivetrain, and factory options.
Van sourcing usually happens after the customer has selected a layout and placed a deposit.
Can I bring my own van?
No. Axis is currently not accepting customer-owned vans. However, please inquire at info@axisvehicles.com as this can change seasonally.
Axis sources vans for customers so the team can confirm the chassis is compatible with the build, reduce unknowns, and keep the process consistent.
New or used Transit?
Both new and used Ford Transits can be good options. A new Transit may offer the latest factory features, warranty coverage, and cleaner condition, but will usually cost more. A used Transit may help reduce the total project cost, but it needs to be reviewed carefully for mileage, condition, roof height, drivetrain, accident history, factory options, and build compatibility.
Axis can help customers evaluate what makes sense for their budget and goals.
Which factory options should I look for?
Preferred factory options may include:
AWD
148” wheelbase, long body, cargo
Mid roof or high roof, depending on layout and customer preference
4 way, Factory swivel seats
Rear door windows
Extended fuel tank
Adaptive cruise control
Driver assist features
HID headlights
Overhead shelf
EcoBoost engine, depending on customer preference and availability
The exact recommended options may change depending on inventory and the customer’s build plan.
Does Axis build on passenger vans?
Axis generally builds on Ford Transit cargo vans, not passenger vans.
Passenger vans can create complications because of factory interior components, windows, airbags, headliners, flooring, HVAC, seating, and trim.
Does Axis build on E-Series vans?
No. Axis currently builds on Ford Transit vans only.
Axis built out E-Series up until 2026.
Does Axis build on Sprinters or Promasters?
No. Axis currently builds on Ford Transit vans only.
Axis focuses on the Ford Transit because it works well for our layouts, is easier to service across the country, drives comfortably, and keeps our build process consistent.
3. Build Timeline Questions
How long does the build take?
Build time depends on the layout and selected options.
As a general guide:
Sportwagon: approximately 3 weeks once the build begins.
Revolver: approximately 6 weeks once the build begins.
The full timeline also depends on van availability, parts availability, selections, scheduling, and final delivery coordination.
When can Axis start?
Start timing depends on the current production schedule, deposit date, van availability, and parts readiness.
In many cases, Axis can begin within a few weeks of deposit and van acquisition, but customers should always be given the current timeline based on the production calendar.
What does the deposit hold?
The deposit holds the customer’s place on the Axis production calendar and allows Axis to begin moving the project forward.
The deposit also signals that the customer is ready to proceed with layout confirmation, van sourcing, selections, estimating, and build scheduling.
Can I get the van before summer?
Possibly, depending on the current date, production schedule, van availability, and selected layout.
Because spring and early summer are high-demand periods, customers who want a van before summer should be encouraged to place a deposit and start van sourcing as early as possible, ideally the winter before.
Can I add options after deposit?
Yes, customers can usually add options after deposit, especially during the selections and estimate phase.
However, changes may affect pricing, parts ordering, production timing, and build schedule. Some options may not be possible once production has started or once certain build steps are complete.
4. Systems Questions
How does the heater work?
Axis uses an Espar/Eberspacher gas heater that taps into the Ford Transit’s main fuel tank. The heater warms the interior of the van and is especially useful for cold-weather camping, ski trips, drying gear, and keeping the van above freezing.
The heater runs independently from the engine, though it uses fuel from the van’s gas tank and power from the house electrical system.
Does the heater use propane?
No. The Axis heater does not use propane.
The heater taps into the Ford Transit’s main gas tank. This eliminates the need for a separate propane heating system.
How does the water system work?
The Revolver layout includes a simple fresh water system with approximately 10 gallons of onboard fresh water. The system is designed to be straightforward, easy to use, and quick to winterize.
The sink drains through the underside of the van on the driver’s side. Customers can place a basin under the drain when they need to collect grey water.
How do I winterize the van?
Axis water systems are designed to be quick and easy to winterize. Customers should follow the current Axis winterization instructions provided at delivery.
General customer-facing guidance:
Empty the water containers.
Disconnect and clear water lines.
Do not leave water sitting in the system during sustained freezing conditions.
If using the van in freezing weather, keep the heater set above freezing. Axis commonly recommends keeping the thermostat at approximately 55°F or higher when conditions require it.
Customers should winterize the van any time it will sit in sustained freezing temperatures.
Where does grey water go?
The sink drains from the underside of the driver’s side of the van. There is no built-in grey water tank. Customers can place a basin or portable container under the drain when they need to collect grey water. This keeps the system simple and avoids the need to clean, winterize, or maintain a grey water tank.
How does the electrical system work?
The electrical system depends on the selected layout and options.
Sportwagon builds commonly use a Goal Zero Yeti 1500x system. Revolver builds may use a more integrated lithium battery system depending on the current build spec.
The electrical system may support interior lights, fridge, fan, heater power, outlets, charging, and other selected components.
Can I run an induction cooktop?
It depends on the electrical system and the cooktop.
Induction cooktops draw a significant amount of power. With an added 2000-3000w inverter you may be able to run a small induction cooktop for limited use, but it will use battery capacity quickly.
Customers who want to use induction cooking should discuss this during the selections process so Axis can confirm whether the selected electrical system is appropriate.
Can I charge from solar?
Yes, solar is an option with both layouts however require a roof rack for mounting. Axis prewires for solar off the roof and side of the van so it can be added at a later date if needed.
Solar can help maintain battery charge, especially during sunny conditions, but customers should understand that solar output varies based on weather, season, shade, panel size, and power usage.
Can I plug into shore power?
Yes, a standard 110v shore power connection is standard on both layouts.
5. Financial Questions
What does the build cost?
Build cost depends on the selected layout, current pricing, materials, and options.
General guidance:
Sportwagon is the lower-cost, simpler layout.
Revolver is the more complete camper layout and costs more.
Accessories, electrical upgrades, heater, roof rack, lighting, suspension, solar, and other options can increase the total build price.
What does the van cost?
The van cost depends on whether the customer chooses a new or used Ford Transit, as well as mileage, year, drivetrain, roof height, trim, factory options, and market availability.
Axis can help source a van and provide current available options, but chassis pricing changes with the market.
What is the deposit?
The Axis deposit is $3,500.
The deposit holds the customer’s place on the production calendar and allows Axis to begin the next steps in the process.
Is the deposit refundable?
Yes. The $3,500 deposit is refundable.
When are payments due?
The standard payment schedule is:
$3,500 deposit to hold the production calendar.
Van paid in full once the van is available.
40% of build cost due 30 days before build start.
Remaining balance due at completion.
Payment methods may include check and ACH for installment payments. Initial deposits may be paid by credit card.
Is there sales tax?
Axis is located in Oregon, which does not have state sales tax.
However, customers outside Oregon should consult a qualified tax professional or their local DMV about any taxes, registration fees, use tax, or other costs that may apply in their state.
Can I finance the van?
Many customers finance the van chassis through a bank, credit union, dealer, or other lender.
Axis can provide documents needed for the transaction when appropriate, but customers should speak directly with a qualified lender to understand financing options, rates, terms, and requirements.
Can I finance the build?
Some customers may be able to finance the build depending on their lender, loan structure, credit profile, and whether the lender treats the project as a vehicle loan, RV loan, personal loan, or other product.
Customers should speak directly with a qualified lender.
Axis can provide estimates or invoices when needed, but Axis does not determine financing approval.
Does Section 179 apply?
Section 179 may apply for some business customers, depending on vehicle weight, business use, tax situation, and current tax rules.
Customers must consult a qualified tax professional or CPA.
Can Axis help with insurance?
Axis can provide documentation, invoices, build details, or photos that may help a customer work with their insurance provider.
However, insurance classification, coverage, premiums, and approval are determined by the customer’s insurance company.
Customers should speak directly with a qualified insurance agent. Here is a link to get a quote from Roamly for insurance if needed: https://outdoorsyinc.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=28&aff_id=1837
6. Warranty and Service Questions
What is covered by Axis?
Axis covers craftsmanship related to the build, including Axis-built cabinetry, beds, platforms, installed interior components, and workmanship.
Current Axis warranty: 5-year craftsmanship warranty.
What is covered by third-party manufacturers?
Third-party components are covered by their respective manufacturers. This may include items such as heaters, fridges, batteries, power systems, fans, solar components, lighting, suspension components, roof racks, awnings, and other accessories.
Axis may help customers troubleshoot or identify the correct next step, but warranty approval and replacement decisions are made by the component manufacturer.
Who do I contact after delivery?
Customers should contact Axis directly after delivery for questions, warranty concerns, troubleshooting, service intake, or component issues at info@axisvehicles.com.
Can Axis help troubleshoot?
Yes. Axis can help troubleshoot build-related issues and help identify whether a problem is related to Axis workmanship, a third-party component, customer use, or normal maintenance.
Troubleshooting may begin by phone, email, photos, videos, or a service intake form.
Do I bring the van back to Hood River?
Some issues may need to be handled at Axis in Hood River, especially if they involve Axis-built components, cabinetry, installation, or build-specific service.
Other issues may be handled remotely or by a qualified local shop, depending on the problem.
We can help evaluate the issue first and advise the customer on the best next step.
Can a local shop help with a component issue?
Yes, in some cases a qualified local shop can help with a component issue, especially if the customer is traveling or located far from Hood River.
This may be appropriate for third-party components such as heaters, electrical components, suspension, tires, chassis service, or accessories.
Customers should contact Axis first when possible so Axis can help determine whether the issue should be handled by Axis, a Ford dealer, the component manufacturer, or a qualified local service provider.